And the greatest of these is Love
Chapter 6
Page 16
Molly learned that if she was to keep her job as the receptionist at the Infirmary, she needed to respect the privacy of their patients, however, Faith was also impressed with all the help that Rosemary needed being lovingly supplied by the Chickadees and more.
With not only the help around the house, but the love from all who came by to help Rosemary, she started to feel like her old self again. Faith had also added a new medical help called a vitamin that she gave Rosemary to take daily which helped her.
When she visited her, Faith noticed Rosemary was drinking coffee, and put an end to that. "Rosemary, please do not drink coffee or tea while nursing. Both can upset Grace's tummy. As a matter of fact everything you eat or drink shows up in your breast milk, so watch spicy foods too. Soon, Grace won't be so cranky, well until she starts teething," Faith explained.
"Does it ever end?" Rosemary moaned to Molly when she stopped over with a dinner.
"Sure, it will, but right now, it feels like there is no end in sight. Believe me, they grow up so fast, and before you know it, they're going to school, then off to college or getting married. Now, I'm just waiting for Rosaleen to marry and give me some grandchildren!" Molly laughed.
"I am certainly going to try to stop complaining. God blessed us with a beautiful, healthy little daughter that I never thought I'd be able to bear, plus a great son, Paul. Thank you so much for your understanding, Molly!"
"Honey, when one of us is in need, we all are affected. Now, let me tell you about the Worship Concert for Easter..."
Dee was very excited with such a big event to plan. She focused on the concert with enthusiasm. Mr. Landis had been a huge help finding all the music sheets for the various instruments and James had helped coach the singers with breathing exercises and their tones that Dee had taught when she was teaching. So, with James working with the singers and Mr. Landis with those playing instruments, Billees was the place they all rehearsed. Those who came during the rehearsals for dinner, got a preview and would applaud after they finished a song.
Fiona loved playing the flute, as it gave her more time with James. He agreed that was the best part of the whole concert. They were both busy, but busy together and laying the groundwork for furthering their relationship. James was thinking about inviting his parents to the concert and Fiona agreed that would be a good step in the right direction.
James called his home and his mother answered. She was happily surprised to be invited to Hope Valley and after talking it over with her husband, they agreed to go. James was more than happy about it and made reservations at Billees one time after rehearsal.
"Sam, would you please see to it that my folks have the master suite please? I'm going to have flowers delivered from Benson Hills for their room and a box of chocolates too," James smiled.
"Wow! You are a great son, that's for sure!" Sam nodded.
"That's not all, I'm not sure if they're staying longer than two nights, but for now, let's book it for two. I would ask if it is at all possible, that they have room service in the morning with hot coffee served with muffins fresh from Minnie's please."
Sam smiled, "My pleasure Dr. Scholl."
"What is your menu for that weekend?" James asked.
"For Easter, we usually serve the traditional glazed ham and scalloped potatoes with asparagus and rolls. Emily makes a delightful lamb cake iced with coconut frosting," Maggie piped up.
"That's perfect, please reserve a table for four Easter afternoon. Thank you."
After that James and Fiona left arm in arm. James drove Fiona to her home and Fiona invited James inside for a glass of sherry.
"James, I'm so happy that you and your parents are reconciled."
"Fiona, we wouldn't be if it wasn't for your encouragement. It's you that inspired me to pursue the reconciliation, and I'm most thankful," James punctuated with a kiss.
With the lingering need in Fiona, she melted into his lips. As they pulled away, she saw so much affection in his eyes, she giggled like a school girl.
"What's so funny?" James asked.
"It's not funny, James, I'm well, just so happy when I'm with you."
"Well, your laugh wrinkles your nose and you look so adorable," James said fondly, "how can I resist?"
"I'm glad you can't," she replied as he reached forward for another kiss.
This time James reached for Fiona's hair and loosed a few curls. As they fell they framed her soft cheeks and she was like a dream come true for him. The fire he felt within was filling his heart, but being the gentleman he was, he knew when to stop.
"Oh my," Fiona said, "that sherry is really making me warm."
"Yes, it is, but it's not just the sherry Fiona. I'm feeling more for you every day. I need to tell you, I love you, darling," James confessed.
Fiona's heart started to race. Did she just hear right? His smile was so warm and his words so genuine, she easily answered, "I love you too, James!"
James reached for Fiona's beautiful face and cupped it in his hands, then he tenderly kissed her, feeling the sweetness of her lips. Fiona melted into his kiss and they embraced for longer than usual.
The clock on Fiona's mantel chimed and it startled them causing them to part.
Looking at the time, James always the gentleman, got up from the sofa, and thanked Fiona for the night cap. "I best be going. Have a good night with sweet dreams," he winked.
Page 17
It was a joyous day! The daffodils were finally growing from the sprouts they were just a few days ago, the sun was shining brightly, there was a soft, warm breeze coming from the mountains, and the smell of lilacs wafted through the air.
As on any other Sunday, Father Ricardo celebrated Easter Mass at the O'Neill barn and Pastor Joseph celebrated Easter service at the Community Church. As planned, everyone would then join together at the pond for an outside Worship concert followed by a light brunch served from Billees and an Easter egg hunt for the children.
The Hopefuls had carried the chairs from Billees outside for the concert, setting them up close to the pond. The group of those playing instruments and singing in the choir, were steadily gathering together and warming up with Mr. Landis as conductor and Dr. Scholl as assistant.
Dee joined them after she had Christopher changed and fed, along with Nathan and Allie who brought their guitars. First Nathan helped Emily and Archie find chairs near the front and placed the buggy between them so they could both watch over their grandson, Christopher. Then, he quickly ran over to Billee's and gave his mother's lamb cakes for the brunch to one of the Chickadees, Debbie, who's birthday happened to be the same day and wished her a happy birthday.
As planned, Dr. Scholl's parents had arrived yesterday and were treated like royalty at Billees as James asked. Fiona and James had a delicious pot roast dinner that Fiona had prepared for them and served at her house. After dinner James practiced his solo, How Great Thou Art, and Fiona accompanied him with her flute to his parent's delight. Today, Fiona looked simply lovely and was ready to play her flute. She and James never took their eyes off of the other and were bubbling over with loving glances. The Chickadees and other ladies were quick to pick up on the exchanges between the two, recognizing the blossoming romance.
Carson and Faith walked up with Carson carrying his guitar, followed by Molly and Bill, who was ready to strum his guitar too, while Molly and Faith sat in the audience. Rosaleen was with the Hopefuls inside Billees preparing for the brunch decorating, and covering the tables with cloths.
Marie, Bob, and Benjamin Landoch were sitting next to the Coulters. Karen had run up on stage and stood in her place ready to sing the lead in Amazing Grace. She was ecstatic to be close to Harper who was playing his horn and was next to Ronnie Lipinski playing his trumpet. The two young men would be playing a duet together with Christ the Lord is Risen Today.
Everyone in town was thrilled to see Rosemary looking so much better. The help she was getting made a big difference and it showed. She was moving slowly, but she had a beautiful dress on and had her hair done very nicely. Lee beamed with pride at his family. He was holding little Grace throughout most of the concert while Paul sat with Benjamin.
Cooper was very anxious to be showing off his skills on the drums. This really pleased him, truth be told, since he was participating in the music for a change, instead of Angela. He looked so sharp in his bow tie and was lapping up the attention. His father, Joseph was a definite bass vocalist while Angela and Minnie listened from the audience.
Dottie and Henry came walking up holding hands dressed ever so lovingly. Of course, Dottie owning the Apparel shop had first dibs on her new hat and made sure Henry was dressed in his finest. They were quite the handsome couple.
Elizabeth was escorted by Superintendent Malone with little Jack running up to his "Uncle" Bill and sitting on his lap. "Howdy, partner!" Bill greeted his little buddy, while getting a big hug! Bill tapped the seat next to him which prompted Elizabeth and Denny Malone to join him and Molly. Elizabeth had only been seen with Mr. Malone once in awhile, but whenever there was a town social, they were together, so no one knew what to think of their relationship.
Florence and Ned were all smiles with their daughters, Katie Yost and Debra Blakely. Katie took off to join and help the Hopefuls while grabbing Debra's hand bringing her with. Debra nodded at Dottie, her boss, but had to keep up with Katie so didn't have a chance to talk with her. When they got inside Billees, John and Debra locked eyes so he didn't hesitate to come over to her. John smiled and pursued another conversation with Debra who seemed keenly flattered. Katie saw that and left her sister to join the others hoping to run into Kevin Townsend. Ever since she won the raffle for Kevin during the summer Family Fun Fest, she had enjoyed the time with him and hoped for more, but nothing happened on Kevin's part. She had gone out with Ben Carmon from the bank for lunch a few times, but it was strictly casual. So, for now, she was enjoying her friendships with all of the Hopefuls!
Matthew, Mark, Luke, Gunther, Andy, and Trevor were at Billees' too and did whatever the ladies in Hopefuls directed them to do.John was there to sing the Old Rugged Cross.
There were plenty of rows filled with the Lipinski family and the O'Neill family. Christy, Rick, and Timi Anne were in the middle of the two families and during the whole concert, neither Rick or Christy took care of Timi Anne as she had plenty of family who all enjoyed her. Now that Christy was just starting her second trimester with their second little one on the way, it felt good to be out after a bout of morning sickness. Christy had been extra busy for Easter with facials and hairdos with Fiona at the Nichols and Dimes shop, so now she could finally sit down and relax. Rick was working long hours now for Lee with the construction of the new school on the agenda for the summer, and helping with the building of St. James Church. He felt good knowing he was able to support his little family while saving for their own home.
The O'Neills came a little late as they cleaned up their barn the temporary 'church' for Sunday mass. Lana had come home for Easter from her nursing school and was very happy to see everyone, especially Trevor Donahue. They had hit it off so well last time sharing her experiences as a nursing assistant in the war and him having gone through his injury and losing his best friend, Buddy. The connection was strong and since they talked, they had written to eachother when she left. She looked around but hadn't spotted him yet, so she sat with her family, catching up with her sister on the latest news. Lisa had been working as the receptionist at Dr. Scholl's dentistry office and shared how he was a couple with Fiona among other town news.
Clara and Jesse came with their little boy, Michael, who had participated with Christy, Rick and Timi Anne with play dates. When they spotted them, they joined their already large group. Clara and Christy were both pregnant at the same time again which everyone teased them that it was planned. When Michael and Timi Anne saw each other they both got excited and soon were together giggling.
Ken and Peggy Henderson were retiring, and came from their farm with bulbs and seedlings ready to go to new home gardens. The town folk were happy to help themselves from their wagon looking forward to a few crops.
Mike Hickam, Mr. Jenkins, and Kevin Townsend who were too old to be part of the Hopefuls, were the only bachelors without a date so they simply shrugged at each other and sat down together.
Mayor Fiona stood at the front and welcomed everyone thanking them for coming. Fr. Ricardo followed and said a prayer for a joyful, celebratory Easter, then the concert began.
Everyone was dressed in their Easter finest! The Moretti family were all dressed in the same colors of yellow and green. They were a big family group when the Romanos joined them. Fr. Ricardo sat with the Romanos, providing a typical large Italian 'family'! He was very proud of the Morettis who all sang a light and joyful medley of songs in which everyone sang along.
Dee led the choir in It is Well With My Soul and James would end with a solo of How Great Thou Art. As a surprise, the Morettis all spread out among the audience while Mr. Landis directed everyone to sing the Hallelujah chorus including all those who were there. It really sounded better than expected and the audience were really enjoying themselves giving themselves a round of applause.
Following the concert, before eating, Mayor Fiona gathered all the children and with all of them holding a basket, she encouraged them to all run around the pond, but not in it, to find Easter eggs. As they scrambled around, some of the rest of the folks grabbed the chairs and went inside of Billees for brunch.
It was such a fabulous day that Fiona congratulated James for sharing the idea in the first place. When his parents heard that it their son who suggested this town festivity they gladly bragged that he was their son! Fiona had to chuckle and thought, who would ever have dreamt this would happen a year ago?
Page 18
The following Sunday, Faith and Carson asked Pastor Joseph for a blessing for their first anniversary. The year had gone so fast and so much had happened with the town growing, that they were surprised they even remembered! Not that they would forget their wedding, but that they had remembered to ask for a blessing.
Carson suggested they go to hear James sing at the Benson Hill's Clubhouse and enjoy dinner for their anniversary. Of course, Faith was delighted and really took her time fancying up and looking her very best.
When they arrived, Carson looked debonair with beautiful with on his arm. They were able to sit at a table up front but in a corner where they could both hear James sing and yet enjoy a relaxing conversation.
As expected, Fiona was sitting in her usual table watching her handsome man, James, sing so beautifully with adoring eyes. She grinned and waved at Faith and Carson when she saw them. Fiona walked over and greeted them happy to see good friends from Hope Valley, "what is the occasion may I ask?"
"Our first year anniversary!"Carson replied with a kiss on Faith's cheek.
"Wow, congratulations you two! Let me buy you both cocktails," and with that Fiona waved down their waiter and told him she would take care of their bar bill.
"Thank you Fiona!" Faith smiled, "that was very kind of you. What do you suggest for an entree?"
"You can't go wrong with the filet mignon. It's cooked to your perfection. Served with a baked potato and your choice of vegetable, it's my favorite," Fiona suggested.
"Then filet it is." Carson grinned.
When Fiona returned to her table, James stopped by and then looked at the couple and waved. Fiona whispered something to him and he nodded.
After ordering, Faith asked Carson, "Remember New Year's Eve while dancing at the party at Billees, when we talked about hiring a nurse?"
"Yes, we did, didn't we. Wow, we've been too busy to follow up with that."
"Carson, I really think we need to get busy and look for someone. With all the new townsfolk, and more patients we've been too busy to even talk at night together because we're so exhausted."
"Yes, you're right. I miss that. Maybe, we can have Molly send out notices to the other towns and a help wanted in the Valley Voice?" Carson suggested.
"How are we going to find enough room for another person? I mean, if we hire a nurse as our assistant, we'll need another room. Right now, all we have are curtains, and that isn't enough privacy I'm afraid. Look what happened with Rosemary!"
"Well, that's because Molly spread the word," Carson said.
"Exactly, that's what I mean. We were lucky Rosemary got help and she didn't mind, but we can't risk our patient's privacy, so we need to have some walls built, don't you think? We could add on the back."
"Honey, I agree, but Lee is so busy now, how can I ask him? He's under a lot of pressure as it is," Carson pondered.
"Well, first things first. Maybe we can get a nurse to do house calls, and ask Fiona again to bring up the request for a emergency vehicle so we can transport patients to the hospital in Clearwater," Faith suggested.
The waiter brought their drinks then, so they lifted their glasses to eachother and to Fiona when she looked over and smiled.
"Enough shop talk. I want to focus on my bride!" Carson looked dreamily into Faith's eyes. "Happy Anniversary darling!"
"Happy Anniversary my love!" Faith glowed. Carson leaned forward and met Faith's lips with his.
It wasn't long before their dinners arrived and the fillets were as mouthwatering as they anticipated. As they feasted on their steak, James was on stage with Diana Star, his singing partner. They were such a hit, that every weekend they brought in a full house, so the Benson Hill's Clubhouse kept them booked for quite some time. It was a good thing that Carson made reservations for Sunday, as the late dinner time was usually quieter then.
As people were dancing on the floor, Carson and Faith joined them. In between songs, James asked for everyone's attention. As people turned to listen, James pointed to the Shepherds and said, "Tonight is Dr. Carson and Dr. Faith Shepherd's first anniversary, may they be blessed with many more! Let's give them a round of applause!"
The crowd burst with clapping as both Faith and Carson grinned and turned red, thanking everyone. When the crowd quieted down James said, "This song is dedicated to this lovely couple!" Looking at Dianna they both sang together, You made me love you", to which Faith and Carson had the floor to themselves.
Faith felt like a princess floating around the room with her prince who was singing right along with James. It was an enchanting moment for them to always remember.
Even though they didn't want the dance to end, it was time. James was taking a break and went over to Fiona and sat down. Faith and Carson walked to their table and thanked James for the lovely announcement and song. They talked for a few moments, but didn't want to take up the short time James had with Fiona during his break, so they went back to their table.
When the waiter came with their dessert, Carson was surprised, "When did you order my favorite cake?"
"I'll never tell," Faith teased.
"Don't think you can get away with that without you getting a surprise," Carson winked. Out of his suit pocket he pulled a small velvet jewelry box and placed it on the table to slide over to Faith.
It was Faith's turn to be surprised, but very delighted, as she opened the box and found a delicate gold bracelet with two hearts intertwined. "Oh my, Carson, this is exquisite! Thank you honey!" Carson reached over the table to clasp the bracelet. When it was on securely, Faith grabbed Carson's hand before he could take it back, "Carson, I love you!"
Carson swept his chair next to Faith, put his arm around her and softly told her, "I love you more than you know!"